DivaCup Model 1 Review

Made from the highest quality healthcare grade silicone to assure comfort and durability.

Does not contain any of the following: latex, plastic, PVC, acrylic, acrylate, BPA, phthalate, elastomer, polyethylene, and free of colors and dyes.

Reusable and eco-friendly – no waste, no chemicals.

Features extra grip ridges for easier removal.

Cleared for marketing by the US FDA and the Australian TGA and the only reusable menstrual cup allowed to be sold in Canada by Health Canada.

Diva International Inc. is the only ISO 13485:2003 certified menstrual cup manufacturer and head office in the world!

Model 1 is the smaller cup and recommended for women under 30 years old who have never delivered vaginally or by caesarean section.

How It Works

The DivaCup is a reusable, bell-shaped menstrual cup that is worn internally and sits low in the vaginal canal, collecting rather than absorbing your menstrual flow. It can also be worn during swimming.

Made of silicone, the cup is folded and inserted into the vaginal canal where it is worn. The cup unfolds and the pressure form the edges of the cup push against your vaginal walls forming a leak proof seal. The cup can be worn for up to 12 hours or less if your flow is heavier.

To remove, you can slide your finger up along the cup, push against the cup to break the seal and then pull the menstrual cup out. Pour out the menstrual fluid and wash out the cup using warm soapy water and then it is ready to be worn again.

The DivaCup needs to be completely dry when in storage so store it in the breathable cotton bag that comes with the cup.

Review

Insertion

The insertion process is easy but it is very hands on and there is a learning curve. Your hands WILL get bloody the first few times but once you get used to it, the process gets more easy and less messy. It is definitely worth the trouble learning how to use it so don’t give up if you don’t get it right the first time.

I found that the easiest way to insert it is to use two hands: one hand to pinch the top of the cup into the folded shape, and one to push the bottom of the cup and the stem inside me. The trick is to pinch and hold the folded cup firmly. Do not let go until the entire folded part goes inside your vagina. Once that part is in, you may feel the cup unfolding inside and opening up to its original shape. This creates that vacuum seal that makes this cup leak free. Continue to push the cup inside until only the stem is at the opening of your vagina.

The amount of stem that shows at your vaginal opening really depends on each individual. If you find that the stem bothers you, DivaCup advises that you may trim the stem slightly but no shorter than 1/4 inch or 0.6cm.

Wear

I know this sounds too good to be true but it really wore for 12 hours with no leaks!

The cup can holds one ounce or 30 ml. And once you become more familiar with wearing the DivaCup, you will quickly learn how often to empty it according to your personal needs.

I put mine in right before work at 7am and I took it out after I got home at 7pm. I couldn’t feel it all day even when I was getting up from my seat and running around the office.

When I went to check my pantiliner, it was still like brand new and my entire vulva was clean! Even though on the inside I was having cramps and an upset tummy, on the outside, I felt really comfortable and dry. It was like I didn’t have my period at all.

When worn properly, you really can’t feel the DivaCup. I thought I would be able to feel it but the part of the vagina where the cup unfolds is actually not very sensitive to touch. The opening is more sensitive so insertion may be a little uncomfortable at first. This is why it’s so important to hold the fold firmly during insertion. If you don’t, the cup will slip from your hands and start to unfold at the opening.

The stem sticks out a bit for me but it honestly didn’t bother me. I tried my best to push it up further but it just wouldn’t go. But I found that throughout the day it migrated a little more upward anyways so I didn’t trim mine just in case.

Leaks?

I’ve worn these on incredibly heavy days where I’ve filled the cup to the brim in 4 hours. I was afraid the cup would dislodge and leak but phew… thankfully that is not how the DivaCup works!

Menstrual fluid isn’t all blood. There are bits of lining (the chunks) and then there is blood and other vaginal fluids. When it’s collected in the cup, the heaviest parts will sink to the bottom and the lightest which is the clear vaginal fluid will settle at the top.

When my cup started to overflow, I started to leak the clear vaginal fluid, and not the blood. My pantiliner was wet but it was still clear and there was very little blood. My first time seeing this was so weird. I didn’t know what was happening until I removed my DivaCup and saw the way my period had settled in the cup!

Removal

To remove the DivaCup, I find it easiest to just sit down on the toilet or go into the squat position. I could already feel the stem so it was easy to locate. If you have trouble finding the stem, you can push or bear down with your muscles as if you’re trying to take a poop. This pushes the Divacup downwards and the stem towards your opening.

To remove, you need to break the seal. I break the seal by sliding my finger up along the cup. Once my finger gets close to the top of the DivaCup, I pushed forward against the cup to break the seal and then I pulled the DivaCup out.

Remember to hold the base of the cup firmly so you don’t spill the cup or drop it into the toilet. Many girls find it easier to just remove and empty the DivaCup in the shower too.

The part where the top of the DivaCup comes out of my vagina feels a little uncomfortable because it’s stretching my opening.

Even though it was my first time removing the cup, I still managed to not spill it anywhere! SUCCESS :D!

Overall

This is the first menstrual cup I have ever tried and I can confidently say that the DivaCup lives up to all its claims. The DivaCup has definitely made heavy periods easier and more bearable. I can wear the same cup for light and heavy days and I don’t have to run to the washroom as much. My vulva feels very clean which is really nice especially on hot summer days.

The DivaCup features: 12 hour leak-free protection! Made from the highest quality healthcare grade silicone to assure comfort and durability. Does not contain any of the following: latex, plastic, PVC, acrylic, acrylate, BPA, phthalate, elastomer, polyethylene, and free of colors and dyes. Reusable and eco-friendly – no waste, no chemicals. Features extra grip ridges for easier removal. Cleared for marketing by the US FDA and the Australian TGA and the only reusable menstrual cup allowed to be sold in Canada by Health Canada. Diva International Inc. is the only ISO 13485:2003 certified menstrual cup manufacturer and head office in the&hellip;

Review Overview

Overall

100

Summary : If you don't have time to constantly check your pad or tampon for leaks, then you need to get in on this 12 hour leak proof protection! Reusable and environmentally friendly, the DivaCup's leak proof seal means your vulva stays clean and dry. There is a learning curve to the insertion and removal process but it is definitely worth your time and effort!

About Dedy Wong

Dedy is the founder of The Period Blog and creator of The Little Red Kit. Her period is around 30 days long and likes to use pads and tampons -although she has tried just about everything including menstrual cups and period subscription boxes!

10 comments

Hi Dedy!
I’ve been using a Diva Cup off and on for about 6 months, and I’ve been having a few issues. A few times, I haven’t gotten my cup to open fully, so I’ve leaked a lot. Also, when i wear it, it causes my cramps to be worse, as well as for me to feel air pressure from the cup. Is there a way I can insert it to avoid this?

I haven’t gotten my period yet, and I want to ask my mom to buy me a DivaCup beforehand since it’s so comfortable, long-wearing and eco-friendly. The problem is my mom probably won’t like the idea of me sticking something in my vagina. What do I do?
Thanks!
Mary Lou

Hey thanks for the review!
I was just wondering if the Divacup is for women/girls of a certain age? I’m 14 coming up to 15 this year and because my body is still developing, would it be safe/comfortable to wear? Sorry if this sounds silly but you never know!

Yes the DivaCup is safe to wear for young women your age. I think you will fit the DivaCup Model 1 – it’s for women that have never given birth so it is a smaller size. I found that the DivaCup has a steep learning curve so it takes a little while to get the hang of how to put it in and take it out but once you get it in it’s quite easy :).

The DivaCup is available in two sizes, Model 1 and Model 2. Your cup size is stamped on the inside rim of the cup. There is a small difference between the two sizes (Model 1 is 1/8″ (~0.3 cm) smaller), but it is important to use the recommended sizing to prevent leakage.

The one I have in this review is Model 1 and it’s recommend for women under 30 who have never given birth. I hope that helps :).

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